The United Nations announced the rescue of 36 Yazidis who had been held captive by the Islamic State (ISIS) for nearly three years. According to the German news agency, the UN made this announcement on Sunday (April 29). The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that the freed individuals include several men, women, and children. They have been transferred to the UN headquarters in Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq. Al Jazeera also reported that the freed women and girls were provided with clothing and medical and psychological assistance. The UN stated that these individuals will be transferred to other centers for more specialized treatments. Liz Grande, the UN coordinator in Iraq, described what happened to these women and girls as 'unimaginable.' However, it is still unclear how these individuals were rescued from ISIS. UN estimates indicate that there are still approximately 1,500 Yazidi women and girls in ISIS captivity, who are at risk of sexual exploitation. Since 2014, when ISIS captured Sinjar, the home of the Yazidi minority, they have systematically killed and enslaved followers of this faith. The Yazidis, whose faith is a blend of several Middle Eastern religions, have faced more persecution from ISIS than other religions and sects. The Islamic State considers Yazidis to be 'infidels.'
Dozens of Yazidis Rescued from ISIS After Three Years
The UN has reported the rescue of 36 Yazidis from ISIS captivity after nearly three years. This event highlights the ongoing plight of Yazidi women and girls, with an estimated 1,500 still held by ISIS. The situation underscores the severe human rights abuses faced by this minority group.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The UN announced the rescue of 36 Yazidis who had been held captive by ISIS for nearly three years. This rescue underscores the ongoing plight of the Yazidi community, with many still in captivity and at risk of exploitation.
- 36 Yazidis were rescued, including men, women, and children.
- Approximately 1,500 Yazidi women and girls remain in ISIS captivity.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Since 2014, the Yazidi community has faced severe persecution from ISIS, which views them as infidels. The UN has been involved in efforts to rescue and rehabilitate those affected by this violence.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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